Visa Free Travel Introduced in Belarus

Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus, recently signed a decree that allows citizens of 77 countries to travel to Belarus visa-free for up to 10 days. It is one of the least visited countries in Europe. These countries include the US, 28 countries of the European Union, and Brazil among others.

Since this is the first time Belarus is doing something like other than running a trial version of it earlier, the visa regime has a lot of limitations. The new regime started on January 1st, 2018. It only issues visa-free travel, if international tourists enter and leave the country through the Minsk airport. They can stay in Minsk for up to five days only and can travel anywhere around the country. For those crossing the border by road using a car, trains, or a bus, have to enter using the Augustow Canal in the Hrodna region. They can only visit the Hrodna and Brest regions.

Those who cross the border will have to generate a copy of their confirmed tour or accommodation receipt. They also need to register themselves with a local tourism company, Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs, or their hotel within five days of their arrival.

Positive trial in 2017

In 2017, It ran a trial that allowed citizens of 80 countries enter without a visa for up to five days. They were needed to enter and leave from Minsk Airport only. Tourism grew by 12 percent in the year, with Belarus getting the most number of visitors mainly from neighboring countries of Poland and Lithuania.

If everything goes as planned, They plans to start issuing 30 days of visa-free travel to international tourists. The best time to visit Belarus is in between June to August when the climate is pleasant. Around 67 percent tourists visit Belarus during that time because winters tend to be too cold.